Self-drive tours to open; Hong Kong government: We will proceed with caution

The acting Secretary for Transport and Housing, Nicholas Ng, said that the implementation of self-drive tours between Guangdong and Hong Kong will begin with the first phase—allowing private cars from Hong Kong to travel north into Guangdong Province. The two regions will only further study the second phase, which involves private cars from Guangdong traveling south into Hong Kong, after the first phase is implemented and experiences are reviewed.

Nicholas Ng emphasized that the authorities will proceed with caution, prioritizing road safety and capacity, while paying attention to environmental impact. The quota will start small and can be flexibly adjusted according to special circumstances, and applications will be carefully reviewed. Additionally, the authorities will ensure proper traffic support and management measures, such as increasing vehicle parking areas. When implementing the second-phase trial plan, amending laws to provide temporary licenses and establishing a legislative basis for related fees will be involved, and opinions will be sought from the Legislative Council and the public in Hong Kong.

Nicholas Ng emphasized that the authorities will proceed with caution, prioritizing road safety and capacity, while paying attention to environmental impact. The quota will start small and can be flexibly adjusted according to special circumstances, and applications will be carefully reviewed. Additionally, the authorities will ensure proper traffic support and management measures, such as increasing vehicle parking areas. When implementing the second-phase trial plan, amending laws to provide temporary licenses and establishing a legislative basis for related fees will be involved, and opinions will be sought from the Legislative Council and the public in Hong Kong.

However, legislator and Civic Party member Ronny Tong, who opposes the self-drive tour plan, believes that Hong Kong has limited land and too many vehicles, and mainland drivers may not be able to quickly adapt to local road conditions. He urged the authorities to immediately shelve the self-drive tour plan.